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Quantitative mineral identification

What’s in your rocks?

Quantifying common rock-forming minerals in routine mineral exploration has historically been challenging. While infrared spectral mineralogy has supported applied geoscience, its use has been largely qualitative and limited to hydrous mineral phases. To overcome the limitations of quantitative applications, ALS uses machine learning algorithms trained on an extensive library of geological materials. This approach enables accurate predictions of quantitative mineralogy using multi-band infrared spectra and high quality multi-element geochemical data.

Rock Alteration

FTIR-MIN

Designed to quantify major rock-forming and alteration minerals, this method delivers accurate mineral abundances, including key lithium-bearing phases such as spodumene. It is well suited for exploration programs, lithological characterisation, and early-stage project assessments, offering consistent results across a wide range of geological environments.

Code Analytes
FTIR-MIN
 Quartz Magnetite Calcium Sulfates Alunite
Plagioclase Goethite Chlorite Garnet
K Feldspar Hematite Epidote Spodumene
Biotite Calcite Pyrite Talc
Amphibole Siderite White Mica Zeolite
Pyroxene Ankerite-Dolomite Kandite-Kaolinite  

FTIR-BAUX

Developed for bauxite evaluation, this method focuses on the quantification of alumina phases like gibbsite and boehmite, along with reactive silica, iron oxides, and other refining-relevant parameters. It provides valuable data to support bauxite classification, processing strategies, and feedstock optimisation—without requiring customised calibration models.

Code Analytes
FTIR-BAUX
 Al2O3 Rx SiO2 C organic % Magnetic
Al2O3avl Fe2O3 Carbonate Boehmite
SiO2 Oxalate Sulphate Gibbsite

Downloads

pdf

ALS Quantitative Mineralogy from FTIR

27 FEB 2023

Related Topics

Complete Characterisation Packages

Complete characterisation

There is no single analytical method that can determine all elements in a rock. ALS offers packages for complete characterisation.

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Fusion Decomposition

Trace elements

When low detection levels are needed for trace elements, method ME-MS89L™ may be useful.

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